Soundings from St John of the Cross

This sixteenth-century Spanish friar, St John of the Cross, testifies to a God who longs to meet us in our deepest need. John's poetry and prose reveal the beauty and power of a wondrous God, despite the rejection and imprisonment he faced in his life. It gives us courage to believe in the possibility of change in our own lives, however unlikely or impossible this may seem.

Father Iain Matthew uses this classic inspirational Christian writing as his starting point, and offers five interpretations which make its richness relevant to the modern reader. The first interpretation explores how this writing encourages us to embrace the darkness and uncertainty that often characterize our spiritual journeys. Rather than viewing these experiences as obstacles, we are invited to see them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

The second interpretation highlights the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in our relationship with God. John's writings remind us that true spiritual growth often requires us to let go of our need for control and embrace our inherent human limitations. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the healing and redemptive power of the divine.

The third interpretation delves into the concept of love as the driving force behind our spiritual transformation. John's writings emphasize the transformative power of God's love, which has the ability to shatter our preconceptions and lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

The fourth interpretation focuses on the role of the imagination in our spiritual journey. John's writings encourage us to engage our imagination in order to deepen our connection with the divine, and to see the world and our own lives through a new and transformative lens.

The fifth and final interpretation explores the concept of contemplation and its importance in our spiritual growth. John's writings remind us that true spiritual transformation often requires us to slow down, to be still, and to open ourselves up to the presence of the divine within and around us.

Throughout these five interpretations, Father Iain Matthew skillfully weaves together the rich tapestry of St John of the Cross's writings, making them accessible and relevant to the modern reader. By doing so, he invites us to embrace the transformative power of this classic Christian text, and to embark on our own spiritual journeys with renewed courage and hope.

product information: